Denver vs Longmont: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Denver, CO and Longmont, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Longmont, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,131▲ | $72,920 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.53▲ | $35.06 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,552 | $58,845▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,120 | $68,153▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $85,934 | $87,086▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,654 | $95,606▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,700▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Longmont.
The salary gap between Denver and Longmont is $7,211 (9.89%). Denver's median is +17.72% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $40,102,Longmont spans $36,761. Denver has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Denver ($75,751 effective) pays 9.08% more than Longmont ($69,448 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,131/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,700 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,751)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Longmont if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,606)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Denver grew 35.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.3% growth in Longmont over the same period.
Denver, CO
$55,910 (2019) → $75,810 (2025)
Longmont, CO
$66,153 (2024) → $68,988 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Longmont, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Denver or Longmont?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Longmont?
Should I relocate from Denver to Longmont as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Denver vs Longmont?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov